Skates on the boulevards, Thursday evening

Leisure - LIÈGE ► "Belgian Rollers" makes nine summer stops in the center of Liège, from 3/7 to 28/8. ► 15 km night ride, open to everyone, taking the main boulevards. Spread the word, live, by SMS or email: meet at 8 p.m. at place Saint-Lambert in Liège every Thursday of the summer, wearing roller skates and equipped with proper protective gear, or provided with €10 to rent both. At 9 p.m., all skaters present, young and old, beginners or enthusiasts, will start a 15-kilometer urban ride together. An unexpected opportunity to skate comfortably and safely on major thoroughfares (read opposite) temporarily closed to cars. An opportunity to "discover the city in a different way", indicates Carl de Moncharline, organizer of the event, in collaboration with municipal authorities. Liège is one of 7 cities participating this summer in "Belgium rollers", born out of "Brussels rollers" which met with great success in 2002 in the capital – 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators. The first took place on June 27 in Brussels; the last will take place in Mons on August 31. In Liège, it happens every Thursday (in July and August). At least if the weather permits: in case of rain or risk of rain, the ride is canceled. (1) Skaters and other authorized vehicles – bicycles, skateboards, and scooters, which will set off at the back of the pack – will thus be able to truly reclaim the city for one evening: streets, bridges, and underpasses usually dedicated to cars will be, for the occasion, exclusively reserved for these more fragile, less noisy, and non-polluting road users. Compared to other cities, the Liège route is characterized by "very urban loops, with many tunnels and boulevards. You almost feel like you're on a motor racing circuit," indicates Carl de Moncharline. Friendly and fun No speeding, however, warn the organizers, who stress the friendly, family-oriented, and fun nature of the event. Note that drinks will be offered, particularly during the mid-way break. The ride will be partly supervised by police officers on mountain bikes, indicates the Alderman for Sports, Miguel Mevis (PS). Who can participate? Everyone in principle, but the ride is not recommended for complete beginners, as the pace is good. In short, it is intended for "skaters who know how to brake", according to the organizers' phrase. Wearing protective gear (wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and helmet) is required for children and highly recommended for everyone. A medical team is on site. What more could you ask for? Nice weather... ► The decision to cancel the ride due to weather is made on the day at 4:30 p.m. and communicated to radio stations, or available by phone at 0900.24.064 (€0.45/min) or via SMS by sending code FRBR to 3352 (€1). ► Free ride, no registration. A call for volunteers has been launched to supervise it. Web http://www.belgiumrollers.com. IN FOCUS The route Skaters will be escorted by police, who will gradually close the thoroughfares as they pass and reopen them afterwards. The route: pl. St-Lambert (warm-up 8 p.m., departure 9 p.m.), pl. de la République française, bd de la Sauvenière-d'Avroy, av. et trémie Blonden, pont de Fragnée, pont-rue de Fétinne, rue Natalis, quai Orban, pont de Huy, rue Renoz, pl. d'Italie, pont Albert Ier, av. Rogier, trémie Charlemagne, bd d'Avroy, rue Hazinelle, pl. St-Paul, pl. Cathédrale, rue Ch. Magnette, pl. du XX août, quai Roosevelt, pl. Cockerill, rue de la Régence, pl. République française, rue Joffre, pl. St-Lambert (arrival 11 p.m.). Dispersal at midnight.